UMMC Achieves Magnet Status

Designation signifies highest level of nursing excellence

The University of Maryland Medical Center has achieved Magnet Designation in recognition of the hospital's nursing excellence. Magnet status is awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to hospitals that meet specific criteria for nursing professionalism, teamwork and the highest standards in patient care. Only about 5 percent of hospitals across the United States have this prestigious designation.

The official announcement of the Medical Center's magnet status was made at 1 p.m. on July 13 in a packed auditorium where hundreds of nurses and other members of the hospital staff had gathered. The call from a leader of the ANCC was broadcast on loudspeakers throughout the auditorium, and the crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Balloons and confetti were flying.

“We have worked hard to develop and foster a culture of nursing excellence. Achieving Magnet status shows that we have succeeded in this very important endeavor,” says Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President Lisa Rowen, DNSc, RN.

The Magnet program recognizes hospitals that demonstrate excellence in nursing practice and adhere to national standards for the delivery of nursing care. The announcement at the University of Maryland Medical Center follows a rigorous application and review process, which included years of preparation, a 3,000 page application and a four-day on-site visit by the reviewers that included interviews with dozens of nurses and other staff throughout the medical center, as well as input from patients. Preparation for the site visit in May included a multi-faceted communications campaign spearheaded by nurses throughout the medical center, including specially-designed buttons that proclaimed, “I've got Magnetude.”

“I am very proud of Lisa Rowen and the entire nursing staff. The Magnet designation is the gold standard for nursing and shows that our nurses provide the highest level of evidence-based, well-coordinated and compassionate care,” says Jeffrey A. Rivest, President and CEO of the University of Maryland Medical Center. He adds, “Hospitals with Magnet designation are among the best in the nation with high levels of patient satisfaction and the ability to attract and retain nursing professionals.”

“Our nurses embody the exemplary standards of the Magnet designation,” says Rowen. “They work with the entire patient care team, all focused on one goal ”“ helping our patients get better.“

In addition, many of the Medical Center's nurses are carrying out their own research projects to contribute to the profession and to develop better patient care. Adds Rowen, “We have a close affiliation with the University of Maryland School of Nursing and many of our nurses are on the school's faculty, teaching and mentoring nurses in training.”

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